On this episode of Westwood One's Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon, new interviews with Foreigner's Mick Jones, Mike Tramp and songwriter Jim Vallance. Alan Niven co-hosts.
Our first interview is a quick ten minute hit n' run chat with Foreigner's Mick Jones. We discuss the upcoming Jukebox Heroes musical, Lou Gramm's 'retirement', the future of Foreigner including more reunion shows this summer and going on without Mick, supporting the Shiner's Hospital, the upcoming Rainbow '78 DVD, the Cold As Ice Canadian Tour and more.
In out second interview, we chat with former White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp. He discusses being in regular contact with guitarist Vito Bratta, KISS & Paul Stanley, vocal issues, his new album Stray From The Flock, leaving America, his debut with Mabel, being a 15 year old 'rock star' and parental support, the end of White Lion is final, opening for KISS, the PRIDE album, rock n' roll is 'the big swindle' and much more.
(Starts at 1hr08 approx) We end the episode with song writer extraordinaire, Jim Vallance. We discuss his approach to songwriting, working with the greats (Bryan Adams, Scorpions, KISS, Ozzy, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and so many more, the Broadway musical (Pretty Woman) that he scored with Bryan Adams, being a 'song doctor', meeting Bryan Adams, how does streaming affect the business of being a songwriter, Bryan Adams' Reckless album, playing drums on different songs, getting Lou Gramm to do background vocals, receiving the Order Of Canada award, his mantra, and much more.
ROCK TALK WITH MITCH LAFON - Via PodcastOne - White Lion, Bob Kulick And Vinnie Vincent Returns! In our first interview, former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp discusses his upcoming box set, is unambiguous in talking about Vito Bratta, talks touring and more.
In our second interview, guitarist Bob Kulick talks about his new solo record and working with W.A.S.P., KISS, Lou Reed and more.
And Mitch discusses the return of Vinnie Vincent with KISS expert, Greg Schmitt.
"This & That (But A Whole Lot More)" is the brand new box set from Mike Tramp, that is being released on the 1st of December in a limited edition of 1000 copies worldwide. The box set contains 5 CDs and 1 DVD with previously unreleased material from Tramps long career, but with brand new stuff as well.
Mike Tramp himself says this about the box set: "In the 21st century where the music business have become something like an old fashion garage sale and your loyal fans have become someone you address by first name and have a coffee with. It is with great pleasure that I give back to those who have stood by my side for so long and shared this journey with me, and now give them the key to my own personal vault of songs and projects I have done over the past 30 years. This Box set is from Mike Tramp to his fans".
On November 24TH and 25th, Mike Tramp and Band Of Brothers will be playing two memorable release shows at Halmtorvet 9 in Copenhagen. The box set will be available at this show, and you will be able pre-order it when buying a ticket for the show at this link to make sure you will get your hands on a copy: Here are ticket links.
Brand new single "Work It All Out" from Mike Tramp, released exclusively on the upcoming CD-box set "This & That (But A Whole Lot More)" - out 1st of December.
And watch the music video for "Work It All Out" here:
"Coming Home" is the brand new single released today taken from the album "Maybe Tomorrow" released on the 24th of February 2017 on Mighty Music/ Target Group worldwide (ex. Japan by Bickee Music).
Two years after part three in the trilogy that marked the albums “Cobblestone Street”, “Museum” and “Nomad”, MIKE TRAMP is back with a brand new album entitled “Maybe Tomorrow”. The album is without doubt one of the Danish singer/songwriter’s finest albums so far, and the nature of the music is deeply personal and rooted in himself.
Mike Tramp explains: “When people ask me, why I have made a new album and what it’s about, I find myself dumbfounded or even lost for words. Cause to me, what I do is who I am. It might have taken me quite a while to reach this place where I feel so at home, and also where I belong. A place where my music is simply an extension of who I am. It might not sound that interesting or mysterious! But in what other way can I express that my songwriting and music is the truthful life of Mike Tramp”.
“I don’t want to be anything else or try anything new. I am a torchbearer of my heroes and an offspring of my inspirations. I have not only moved away from the past, but I have grown and I have made my stand. When I listen to “Maybe Tomorrow”, I don’t just see myself, I now also see my faithful audience that have grown with me, and that is the best feeling of them all.”
Mike Tramp have recently finished another one of his massive US tours, and will be touring Europe extensively in support of “Maybe Tomorrow” – without doubt still one of the most hard-working men in the rock’n’roll industry!
“Maybe Tomorrow” was recorded at Medley studio, Copenhagen. Once again with his trusted partner Soren Andersen behind the knobs and on Guitar.
This is now the 6th studio album in a row together with Soren Andersen.
Also similar to the “Nomad” album, the same band was used: Morten Hellborn, Drums. Jesper Haugaard, Bass. Morten Buchholtz, Hammond organ & Piano. No other people were part in creating and recording this album.
‘Maybe Tomorrow’ will be released worldwide on limited edition blue colour LP (500 copies), black LP, CD and digital on February 24th 2017
Mike Tramp goes back to a full band set up for his latest album Nomad, but remains in the style and the tempo of his last couple of studio releases. This is another earthy, laid back collection of poignant songs of life, love and loss, told in a way only Mike Tramp can deliver.
Of course this isn’t for all fans of White Lion, Mike has long since moved on, but those like myself that have followed Mike throughout his career will as usual find a lot to like here.
Yes, it’s sparse and relatively laid back, sprinkled with as much acoustic guitar as there is electric, but it is nice to hear the type of songs Mike writes delivered with a bit more oomph.
The tempo stays relaxed for most of the record, so it’s not one to get fired up from, but rather a reflective lyrically deep set of songs that give an insight into how Mike sees the world at large and his own personal place in it.
Highlights from the consistent record include the classic Tramp opener Give It All You Got; the organ drenched Counting The Hours; the angst filled acoustic driven Bow And Obey; the dark yet musically breezy No More and the last two tracks which are very personal and open – Live To Tell and Moving On.
If you liked the last two Tramp albums, you’ll like this. Others will have to investigate first.
The following three new Rock Candy titles are available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on September 3rd.
JEFF PARIS 'WIRED UP' CANDY273
BACK IN THE mid 80's the world seemed fixated on melodic AOR, singer songwriters. Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Marx and Bryan Adams were of course leading the field, but just below the surface there were numerous contenders ready to ascend the throne. Jeff Paris was, naturally, a prime contender, with songs and a sound that suggested success would be a sure fired certainty. That he sank without trace remains one of life's great mysteries.
Signed to Mercury records by the very same person who inked Bon Jovi, Cinderella and Kingdom Come, the signs looked very good indeed. So good in fact that, despite a lack-lustre reception to Jeff's debut album 'Race To Paradise' the label dug down deep to back a follow up, the sensational 'Wired Up', a record brimming over with confidence and optimism. Produced by Tony Platt (AC/DC, Krokus and Foreigner) and mixed by Bob Rock (M'tley Cr'e, Bon Jovi, the CULT) the record was infused with some of the best melodic hard rock of the era.
Issued in 1987, to gushing reviews, the album contains ten melodic rock nuggets, garnished with razor sharp guitars and a souped up rhythm section part consisting of future Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum. Tracks such as 'Saturday Nite', 'Charmed Life' and Cryin' (later successfully covered by all female rock band Vixen) makes for an album that not only exudes excitement but showcases Paris as an exceptional songwriter.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 2,500 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. SATURDAY NITE 2. ONE NIGHT ALONE 3. TRIAL BY FIRE 4. CRYIN' 5. WIRED UP 6. CHARMED LIFE 7. I CAN'T LET GO 8. HEART TO THE FLAME 9. A MATTER OF TIME 10. ILLUSIONS
WHITE LION 'PRIDE' CANDY268
WHITE LION'S RISE to stardom was not without its fair share of difficulties. It started off well with Mike Tramp relocating from his native Denmark to the East Coast of America and teaming up with virtuoso guitarist Vito Brata. Securing a coveted record deal with Elektra Records the band looked set for bigger and better things, but it all came crashing down when the label inexplicably decided not to release their debut album. Fortunately a record deal and a new loyal fan base in Japan and Europe carried the torch helping them to get back in the ring and fight another day.
It was a struggle well worth contesting and one that ultimately paid handsome dividends when Atlantic Records eventually signed the band. Electing to work with seasoned producer Michael Wagener (Dokken, M'tley Cr'e) and recording in Los Angeles, 'Pride' hit the racks to great critical and commercial acclaim. Stuffed to the brim with numerous red-hot slices of melodic yet heavy rock, the album fast became one the era's cornerstone releases, packing punches and knocking down barriers.
Originally issued in June 1987, the record was propelled by the catchy single 'Wait', a track that caught fire at both radio and MTV, helping to establish the band as front line contenders. However, it was the power ballad 'When The Children Cry' that really accelerated sales, to two million and counting. Truly, one of the most heart-warming outcomes in the music business.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, FIVE BONUS TRACKS 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 4,000 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HUNGRY 2. LONELY NIGHTS 3. DON'T GIVE UP 4. SWEET LITTLE LOVING 5. LADY OF THE VALLEY 6. WAIT 7. ALL YOU NEED IS ROCK N ROLL 8. TELL ME 9. ALL JOIN OUR HANDS 10. WHEN THE CHILDREN CRY
BONUS TRACKS: 11. WAIT (Extended Remix) 12. ALL YOU NEED IS ROCK N ROLL (Live) 13. LONELY NIGHTS (Live) 14. LADY OF THE VALLEY (Live) 15. TELL ME (Live)
WHITE LION 'BIG GAME' CANDY269
THE PROBLEM WITH any commercially successful album is that at some point its follow up will be compared and judged not only economically but also creatively. This was exactly the position White Lion were to face with the release of their third album 'Big Game', a record that promised so much, yet, inexplicably, underperformed. Some say that there is a time and a place for everything and, sadly, this time around, lady luck had moved her sights elsewhere.
'Big Game' was, actually, not a disappointing record at all. In fact it was a fine follow-up to their double platinum selling 'Pride' album, but it was recorded in a state of high anxiety. The band had spent almost a year touring the world and was immediately ushered back into the studio by their label and managers who were eager to capitalise on the success, so there was pressure to write and record in double quick time.
Working once again with trusted producer Michael Wagener, and recorded in Los Angeles, the band jumped head-first into material, written by Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Brata over an intense three day session. That they came up with a number of quality songs is testimony to their talent and tenacity. Pitched somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, tracks such as the lyrically poignant 'Little Fighter' and 'Cry For Freedom' lead the charge but it's their creative cover of Golden Earring's 'Radar Love' that more than steals the show.'
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, THREE BONUS TRACKS 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 3,500 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS. TRACK LISTING: 1. GOIN' HOME TONIGHT 2. DIRTY WOMAN 3. LITTLE FIGHTER 4. BROKEN HOME 5. BABY BE MINE 6. LIVING ON THE EDGE 7. LET'S GET CRAZY 8. DON'T SAY IT'S OVER 9. IF MY MIND IS EVIL10. RADAR LOVE 11. CRY FOR FREEDOM.
BONUS TRACKS: 12. WAIT (Live on Westwood One) 13. ALL JOIN OUR HANDS (Live on Westwood One) 14. WHEN THE CHILDREN CRY (Live In Rehearsal)
"Give It All You Got" is the first official radio single and video from Mike Tramp's upcoming album "Nomad".
This summer Mike Tramp was back in Copenhagen where the video for "Give It All You Got" was filmed and edited. Tramp has this to say about the production.
"For Someone who was a big part of the MTV video generation of the 80's where videos became short movies, record companies spent big cash on production and the artist's motto was "we want it bigger and better than the other bands", I can't express how gratifying it is to be able to do my new video, spanning across two evenings and with just one other person involved, who in this case wears both the cameraman and director hat. Yes, it might be late in my career, but I finally feel that I recognize and identify with the person on the other side of the camera, I am finally me, and tha'ts what it's all about..."
The "Nomad" album will the released on the 28th of August world wide on Target Records and Tramp is afterwards heading on an extensive European tour with support/backing back LUCER.
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
28 Aug 2015 Ph Caféen,Copenhagen, Denmark (album releases how)
29 Aug 2015 Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Sweden
30 Aug 2015 Debaser Strand,Stockholm, Sweden
05 Sep 2015 Rock Cafe St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
06 Sep 2015 De Boerderij Zoetermeer, Netherlands
07 Sep 2015 Bada Bing,Oostende, Belgium
09 Sep 2015 The Diamond Sutton in Ashfield, UK
10 Sep 2015 Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh, UK
11 Sep 2015 The Classic Grand,Glasgow, UK
12 Sep 2015 Diamond Rock Club,Ballymena, UK
13 Sep 2015 Roundy Bar Cork, Ireland Tickets
14 Sep 2015 The Workman's Club, Dublin, Ireland
16 Sep 2015 Marine Hotel Colwyn Bay, UK
17 Sep 2015 Iron Road,Evesham, UK
18 Sep 2015 Fat Lil’s Witney, UK
19 Sep 2015 The Cluny,Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
20 Sep 2015 Yardbirds,Grimsby, UK
22 Sep 2015 The Live Rooms, Chester, UK
23 Sep 2015 Robin 2, Bilston, UK
24 Sep 2015 Our Black Heart,London, UK
25 Sep 2015 The Railway Music Venue Bolton, UK
26 Sep 2015 Corporation, Sheffield, UK
30 Sep 2015 Pacific Rock Cergy, France
01 Oct 2015 Rockpalast, Bochum, Germany
02 Oct 2015 Paunchy Cats Club, Lichtenfels, Germany
03 Oct 2015 Night On Fire Festival Pfinztal, Germany
Mike Tramp completes what he calls his trilogy on his journey to show who he is and where he stands. With Nomad, Tramp reaches the final step on the ladder he started climbing (with Cobblestone street), with a full band album, from first to last song.
Tramp goes all out by saying "With this album I have done and said it all, I am going nowhere else."
In the spirit of the album, Mike Tramp with special guests - Lucer embarks on a massive european tour in late summer taking them to Denmark, Germany, Sweden, England, Netherlands , Belgium, Northen Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales .
September:
5th Hamburg - Ger- Rock Cafe St. Pauli
6th Zoetermeer - Hol - Boerderij
7th Oostende - Bel- Bada Bing
9th Sutton - UK - The Diamond
10th Edinburgh - UK- Bannermans
11th Glasgow- UK- Classic Grand
12th Ballymena -Northern Ireland - The Diamond
13th Cork - Ireland - The Roundy Bar
16th Colwyn Bay - Wales - Marine Hotel
17th Evesham - UK - Iron Road Rock Bar
18th Whitney - UK - Fat Lils
19th Newcastle - UK - Cluny
20th Grimsby - UK - Yardbirds
22nd Chester - UK - Live Rooms
23rd Bilston - UK - Robin2
24th London - UK - Our Black Heart
25th Bolton - UK - Railway
26th Sheffield - UK - Corporation
MIKE TRAMP returns with a new solo album 'Nomad' this August.
Following his first live appearance in Russia, Mike Tramp have completed his next album in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. As on his previous 4 albums, co-producer and engineer, Guitar player Soren Andersen, is once again Tramps partner in crime.
The new album will be a full band album from first song to last, and Tramp & Andersen are joined by Morten Hellborn, who played with Tramp and Andersen in the Rock n Roll Circus and bass grooving is being handled by fellow Dane Jesper Haugaard. Hammond B-3 organ will be another Tramp family member, Morten Buchholz.
Tramp says about the new album, "a full rock album was always just amatter of when and this sees once again a natural progression from Cobblestone Street and Museum", but Tramp hints that this is for sure a pure rock album of classic origin and the word acoustic will not be part of the description of it. Fans of Tramp's debut solo album Capricorn, Recovering the Wasted Years and More To Life than this should rejoice. "This is not a departure, it is a contiuing journey onward."
The Album will called Nomad and out late August, followed by a European tour, September onward.
Target Records are proud and happy to announce new world wide album-deal with Mike Tramp!
Mike Tramp returned home yesterday to sign a new world wide album deal with Target Group CEO Michael H. Andersen. We can't wait for the upcoming album to hit the stores in August 2015.
The new album will be the follow up to last years critically acclaimed album 'Museum' and it will be Mr. Tramps fourth album-release together with Target Records.
Not a truer line has been written when Mike Tramp’s bio described his album’s a musical diary of his life. Mike certainly wears his heart on his sleeve and pours that heart into his songs.
It’s something I respect the singer/songwriter for immensely, even when I’m occasionally not totally in tune with his musical output.
Mike has recorded some of my favourite singer/songwriter material. His Recovering the Wasted Years album remains an all-time classic for me.
Last year’s Cobblestone Street I thought was a little hit and miss, but the new album Museum is a much stronger affair.
Museum continues the stripped back, acoustic driven sound that Mike’s solo career has been based upon, perhaps a little more energetic than Cobblestone Street.
But at the heart of the album are some more truly inspiring songs.
None better than Trust In Yourself. Mike’s raspy vocal and haunting style are an immediate positive and the message is strong.
The layered acoustics of New World Coming draw you in, before the bluesy earth tones of Down South offer something new for Tramp fans.
The sparse piano ballad Better is another highlight for me, both in the lyrical quirk and the style of the song.
Freedom is a more uptempo and musically layered song while the again haunting Commitment returns to the sparse and raw emotional side.
The trio of songs that follow offer more insights into Mike’s life and continue the quality of earlier tracks.
Time For Me To Go is another great song and closes a very consistent and enjoyable record.
This is another one for long time Tramp devotees. Those that get Mike know what’s coming and based on the songwriting here, should rate this very highly.
Those that prefer the heavier White Lion or Freaks Of Nature sound might still find this a little stripped back for their tastes, but I urge those to take a good listen as skipping this album will miss some classy new songs.
In episode 38 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch's co-host is his daughter, Jayda. This episode features interviews with former WHITE LION frontman, MIke Tramp, and Charm City Devils' John Allen.
In our first interview, MIke Tramp talks about his new album Museum, his new musical direction, the importance of making new music, his time in White Lion and much more.
Our second interview is with drummer turned frontman John Allen of Charm City Devils. John discusses the band's new album Battles, making the switch from drummer to frontman, his time in SR-71, losing bassist Jeff Reid to cancer, opening for Bon Jovi and much more.
This Episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon is brought to you by the MelodicRockFest 4 - taking place October 3rd and 4th in Arlington Heights, Illinois and features performance by Mitch Malloy, Heaven's Edge, 7th Heaven, Talon, Paul Laine, Bombay Black, Johnny Lima and many more.
Listen to the One On One With Mitch Lafon Podcast on iTunes, Spreaker and Stitcher.
Follow my co-hosts: MARK STRIGL on TWITTER: @Strigl and Talking Metal: @talkingmetal
and Follow RUSS DWARF on TWITTER: @RussDWaRf and his band the KILLER DWARFS: @KillerDwarfs
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
LUCER, probably the most promising hard rock band out of Denmark in a decade. Big words, but ask anyone who've seen this band live and they will agree. Being hailed as the new D-A-D, the AC/DC of Denmark or simply just a fucking great rock'n'roll band, LUCER are coming at you fast and vigorously.
The band consists of the two charismatic brothers Lasse B'gemark and Anders B'gemark and drummer Jonathan N'rgaard and despite their young age, they have already played 70+ shows in Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
Michael H. Andersen, CEO & A&R from Target Group/Mighty Music witnessed the band live and was blown away. 'I seriously can't think of the last time I saw a Danish rock band that made such an honest and big impression on me. I just knew I had to work with these boys'.
Shortly after our young friends were introduced to Mike Tramp. Getting Tramp involved as a mentor turned out to be a good idea, as the chemistry between him and the band was both positive and constructive. Tramp continues to be onboard as a mentor for the band. Mike Tramp says; 'You can't deny the energy that happens when an unspoiled youthful rock band put the pedal to the metal and crank it up to 11. It almost makes you wanna go back and and re-live it yourself again. Great to see new band emerging from the shores of Denmark, that even I like and approve of.'
Next step was to get LUCER into a professional studio. One thing is being a great live act, another is hitting the nail recording. Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Electric Guitars) and Medley Studio was the obvious choice. And during just one intense day ' the 2nd of January with New Year Eve hangovers, the boys recorded two songs, 'Working In The Moonshine' and a cover version of Cliff Richard's 'Devil Woman'.
The rest is history... LUCER did what they had to do and more in the studio and the result is this self-titled 7' vinyl release.
'These 3 kids rock your sox off !!'was what Ken Anthony (ex-manager of Mercyful Fate & Pretty Maids) had to say the first time he saw LUCER live. Ken is now a proclaimed fan and side-man for the band.
'. Oh yeah, and don't forget to check out the video for the first single 'Working In The Moonshine', which was filmed at a moped club on Copenhagen. It's available on Youtube.
